Once Below Joy is an alternative 'wizard' progressive rock band based out of Charlotte, NC. that started in 2022. In early 2023, the band entered the Wav Lab in Fort Mill, SC and recorded their first EP of 5 original songs titled "Through the Fog". Their latest EP release is "Realm Beyond the Skyline"  recorded at Spicehouse Studios in Sanford, NC with the first single release being "80 Cycles Around the Sun".

They are fortunate to have played many of the awesome venues in the area and were voted Best New Band of 2023 in Charlotte by the readers in the Queen City Nerve’s Best in the Nest series. They were also named as a Favorite New Band on Eddie Trunk's "Trunk-Nation" program on Sirius FM. Their influences are the great classic and progressive rock bands, like Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Rush, Yes and Black Sabbath but the sounds of modern bands such as Coheed & Cambria, Queens of the Stone Age, and The Mars Volta are evident as well. 

The band's style is what they proudly call 'Wizard-Prog'. Having a fascination of Fantasy things such as D&D, movies like Lord of the Rings, and online gaming like Skyrim or World of Warcraft, all influences their lyrics and music. As a part of their energetic live performances, they dress as "rock wizards" which has led many fans to do the same when attending and makes for a great show experience.  

Background:

Initially called "The Doughboys" due to Jesse, Skylar, and Austin working a pizza job together, the name did not fit when drummer Wyatt Fregerio came along. Searching for a new name, Once Below Joy was born out of circumstance. Band practices were held at Wyatt’s house in a room located under the living area of his grandmother whose name is Joy. The noise factor was too much so grandma gave them the boot and they relocated to a basement. Since they were literally "Once Below Joy" the name kind of naturally materialized. 

An interesting fact is that Jesse was initially the lead vocalist but Wyatt accidentally discovered he had some vocal ability as well. No one (including Wyatt) knew he could sing until one practice session when he gave an example of a song. They decided both he and Jesse should handle vocals giving more flexibility for their songwriting. And another odd fact, Wyatt did not know who Geddy Lee was until after shows when people kept telling him that was who they thought he sounded like. 

The band's goal is to just have fun playing music and provide a quality show to anyone attending while being a solid supporter of the music community. If more evolves, they will cross that bridge when they get there.

The official lineup includes: 

Jesse Griesman (rhythm guitar, vocals, synth) Fort Mill, SC

Wyatt Fregerio (drums, vocals)  York/Rock Hill, SC

Skylar Wade (bass) Tega Cay, SC

Austin Collins (lead guitar) Tega Cay, SC